President Joe Biden is expected to make a significant announcement regarding his future plans soon after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, according to well-connected Democratic insiders. If Biden decides to drop his reelection bid, Vice President Kamala Harris is considered the heir apparent, with discussions already underway about potential running mates for her.
High-level Democratic strategists and donors have reportedly begun focusing on who would best serve as Harris's running mate. The shortlist includes Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. Notably, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have indicated they are not interested in the vice-presidential role, according to a source familiar with the candidates in the mix.
Biden has faced mounting pressure from key Democratic leaders, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), who have directly conveyed their concerns about his electability against former President Donald Trump. Many Democratic senators and House members doubt Biden's ability to secure a victory in November, intensifying calls for him to step aside.
Sources close to Biden's campaign indicate that senior members of former President Obama's winning presidential campaigns are prepared to assist Harris in launching her presidential campaign if Biden decides to step down. Democratic strategists argue that Biden has struggled to reassure lawmakers and donors about his ability to recover from his recent debate performance and ongoing questions about his age, health, and mental acuity.
"Conversations are happening, and they're different and stronger than they were a few weeks ago, even than a few days ago," said a source familiar with discussions among congressional leaders and Democratic donors. The source added that while Biden is currently committed to leading the party, high-level Democrats are already contemplating a new ticket with Harris as the presidential nominee.
White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates refuted claims that Biden is considering dropping out of the race, issuing a one-word statement: "False." Despite this denial, speculation continues to grow, and sources suggest a significant announcement may be imminent, especially with Biden recently testing positive for COVID-19 and self-isolating in Delaware.
The Biden campaign has led supporters to believe that the president will reaffirm his commitment to the race, but some suspect he may announce his decision to end his campaign soon. "I don't know what the message that will end up being," said a strategist close to the campaign. "There's lots of time between now and then."
Several Democratic strategists have noted the challenging path ahead if Biden continues his campaign. Polls show increasing skepticism about his ability to secure a second term, and the campaign has faced difficulties in fundraising, with major donors withholding contributions due to concerns about his candidacy.
"There are significant cracks and they are beyond repair," said a major Democratic donor. "Biden's candidacy is clearly on the brink of collapse, and the campaign knows it."
A second Democratic donor echoed these sentiments, stating, "The overall consensus is that Biden won't be the candidate, and we're all in a holding pattern to see who will be."
Senior White House officials maintain that nothing has changed regarding Biden's candidacy, with a spokesperson affirming his commitment to the race. However, reports indicate that congressional leaders have expressed their pessimism directly to Biden, emphasizing the growing doubts among Democratic lawmakers.
"There's not a single senator that doesn't want him to go, maybe with the exception of [Sen. Chris] Coons [D-Del.]," said a national co-chair of Biden's campaign. "The dam has broken."
Kenneth Baer, a Democratic strategist and former Obama administration official, highlighted the challenges Biden faces in dispelling concerns about his age and capabilities. "The polling has been pretty consistent for more than a year. There were always large majorities of Americans, of independents, and even a majority of Democrats who felt he was too old for the job," Baer said. "I don't know what he could do to change people's minds and do so quickly."
As Biden isolates with COVID-19 at his Delaware beach house, sources describe him as "receptive" to arguments about stepping away from his reelection bid. A senior Democratic adviser noted that Biden is in a "contemplative stage," deliberating on how to proceed with his campaign.
The uncertainty surrounding Biden's future has led to increased frustration within the Democratic Party. While some Democrats advocate for an open convention to generate excitement, others are concerned about the potential fallout and the need for a smooth transition to a new candidate.
Inside the White House, senior officials are preparing for the possibility that Republicans may call for Biden to resign if he doesn't seek reelection. Meanwhile, the president continues to receive messages from Democratic voters urging him to step aside for the good of the party and the country.
As the decision looms, the Democratic Party braces for a pivotal moment that will shape the future of the 2024 presidential race.
The Hill and CNN contributed to this report.
